5 Most Reliable Washer Dryer Brands, According to Appliance Repair Techs and Expert Testing

On Sale

Lowest Price in 30 days

LG

2899.0027% OFF$2098 at Lowe's

Shop at Best Buy

LG was formed in the 1980s when plastics company Lucky and electronics manufacturer Goldstar merged to create the brand and name we know today. Goldstar was known as a pioneer in the electronics industry before the merger and has shown no signs of slowing down in recent years.

Washer and dryer sets like the LG WashTower—which features a center control panel to operate both machines, a rarity among stackable washers and dryers—connect to the LG ThinQ app. Among other things, the app can alert you to problems with your machines, find the best washing and drying cycles for special fabrics, and let you know when your laundry is done. It’s especially great for smaller spaces and apartments, thanks to the stacking design.

Family Handyman Shopping Editor Mary Henn recently wrote an LG WashTower review. “I love the LG WashTower. It looks great in my space, and the space-saving, stackable design leaves floorspace in the laundry room for shelving and cabinets. It also makes it easier to walk into my laundry room without bulky appliances side by side.”

“I’ve enjoyed using the ThinQ app to program laundry cycles and routines. The remote start function is helpful when you don’t want to come home to wet clothes sitting in the washer. (You can delay the start of the cycle or trigger it to start remotely from anywhere.) The washer gets my clothes very clean, and the dryer works well, especially on the timed-dry setting,” Mary adds. “While I wish you could manipulate specific settings within pre-programmed cycles in the app and that the dryer’s sensor was more accurate, the WashTower’s efficiency, overall appearance and advanced features (like steam cleaning) outweigh the hiccups.”

After owning and operating the LG WashTower for about a year, Mary still uses it daily without issues. “Apart from my initial issues with the WashTower—the sensitive drying sensor and some annoying app functions—I haven’t really had any other issues with the machine,” she says. “It has proven incredibly durable.”

“One thing I have noticed after using the laundry tower daily for a year is that the washer’s tub gets unbalanced fairly often if you try to wash a single item at a time,” Mary adds. “If the item(s) hold enough water, the tub won’t be able to complete its spin cycle, and you’ll have to either wring out the items manually and finish the process or balance the tub by adding more weight. This issue is annoying, though avoidable.”

We love LG’s range of innovative features that make laundry less of a headache, like interior lights and mildew-preventing door props. Additionally, energy-efficient operation is great for eco-minded folks. On the other hand, we’re not alone in thinking the dry sensor could be better: We’ve seen reports from customers who find themselves running multiple dry cycles for one load (kind of defeating the purpose of an energy-efficient dryer).  This seems to be particularly true for LG wash-dry combo machines, like the newer LG Washcombo. If you need a repair, be aware that we have seen customer complaints about long ship times for parts. This isn’t entirely unusual for appliance brands, but it’s best to be prepared.

On Sale

Maytag

1099.0020% OFF$878 at The Home Depot

1099.0020% OFF$878 at The Home Depot

Maytag has been in the washing machine business since the late 1890s, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about creating reliable and functional washers and dryers. The company primarily manufactures top-load washing machines that focus on functionality over tech, though there is a companion app. Top-loading washers, like this Maytag pick, are great for durability since they’re easier to maintain than front-loading ones. Plus, this option boasts a 10-year limited parts warranty.

Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky recently tested a new Maytag washer and dryer. “This washer and dryer combo far exceeded my expectations,” she says. All workout gear comes out smelling clean and free of lint and dog hair, which was a previous irritant with my last machines.”

“I’ve even washed and dried small dog beds without any issues. That used to be a real chore because I would have to clean the inside of the units afterward. Now, I don’t,” Caroline adds. “There’s plenty of room to get all the towels for the household washed in one round, and you can’t beat the fast, efficient drying times, and the steam and sanitize are great features, too.”

Other Maytag machines like the Maytag Pet Pro have a highly efficient agitator to scrub stains and pet hair from clothes and a deep fill option to add more water if desired. The brand is also known for making large washer and dryer sets with enough room for families of all sizes to clean their clothes in as few loads as possible.

We have had a very positive experience with a Maytag setup, even when dealing with bulky bedding and excessive pet hair, but we’d be remiss not to point out other customer viewpoints. In our research, we have noticed a pattern of complaints about having trouble with repairs: Many customers have found it difficult to find a service technician or get the parts they need to fix their machine. Definitely read your warranty service agreement closely to understand what’s covered and what isn’t—not all parts replacements are covered by Maytag’s 10-year warranty.

On Sale

Lowest Price in 30 days

Whirlpool

1399.0032% OFF$948 at Home Depot

1399.0028% OFF$998 at Lowe's

Whirlpool has come a long way in the washer and dryer space since 1911, when it produced its first wringer-washer. The company is known for offering more than 20 washers, dryers and washer-dryer sets for people with different budgets and lifestyles (speaking of budgets, browse our list of the best washer and dryer bundles under $1,500).

Product Tester Sheri Kaz is a big fan of Whirlpool. Her Whirlpool review says the Whirlpool 2-in-1 Removable Agitator Washer is a laundry day game-changer. “I highly recommend the Whirlpool 2-in-1 washing machine for the intuitive interface and auto sensors that make it easy to use. The 2-in-1 removable agitator feature is the absolute best, and, as a result, this machine is gentle on all of my clothes, blankets and washable rugs.”

“With Whirlpool’s stellar reputation as a reliable brand for washers, coupled with the Energy Star certification and future-friendly features, you can’t go wrong with this washer. I have to admit that I became so enamored with this machine that I washed everything in sight, including my washable curtains, hand-wash sweaters, area rugs, pillows and dog beds,” Sheri adds.  “Plus, I appreciate the quick-wash feature, and this machine is significantly quieter than my previous unit. I’d recommend this washer for large families because the huge drum washes two to three baskets at once, saving a lot of time.”

In addition to energy efficiency, customers have grown to love Whirlpool’s large array of smart features. While bare-bones models still exist, most current Whirlpool washers and dryers fit right into the “internet of things” (IoT) thanks to Bluetooth capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and the Whirlpool app. Worth noting, we have seen some customer reviews that report long-term unreliability, particularly concerning drying performance. That hasn’t been the case for us, even after a year of testing, but the complaint is fairly common. That said, Whirlpool parts are widely available and finding a certified technician isn’t likely to be a challenge. If you have any concerns, it’s worth considering an extended warranty.

On Sale

Lowest Price in 30 days

Samsung

2298.0026% OFF$1698 at Samsung

1149.0034% OFF$748 at Home Depot

1149.0026% OFF$848 at Lowe's

If you’re looking for a washer and dryer that will last a long time, Samsung is right up there with LG and Whirlpool in terms of longevity. Like Maytag, Samsung appliances typically require fewer repairs. The highly rated Korean brand started making washing machines in the ’90s. Today, Samsung washers are known for their innovative technology and smart features.

Morgan Chaney tested the Samsung Smart Top Load Washer and Smart Electric Dryer with Pet Care. Despite initial delivery issues, Morgan enjoyed the large-capacity loads, the steam fresh feature and the Samsung app connectivity. Most of all, she was impressed by the washer and dryer’s ability to handle pet hair stuck on clothes and fabrics.

“If you have pets, I think the Samsung washer and dryer with pet care are well worth the investment,” Morgan says. “I’ve tried all the hacks and ‘dog fur removal’ items sold on Amazon and none of them come close to this. I love how clean my clothes and the dog bed cover come out. Plus, other features like quick wash and steam refresh really have changed how I do laundry.”

Unlike some of our other top picks, we like that this option is available as a bundle, priced around $1,500 for both the washer and dryer. It’s still a chunk of change, but features like the Super Speed Wash, which can complete a full washing load in 28 minutes, make it stand out from the crowd.

As for the delivery issues, they were significant. Morgan says the delivery team showed up unexpectedly without prior scheduling, and the dryer delivered did not function. After contacting several different Samsung departments, the issue remained unsolved. Finally, Morgan discovered the order for the replacement dryer had been canceled, and she actually had to go through the process of reordering a dryer. Other hiccups and inconveniences occurred during the delivery and ordering process. However, Samsung did eventually replace the faulty dryer, and Morgan has loved her machines ever since.

Our experience isn’t an isolated event, unfortunately: We have read customer reviews that indicate an overall poor customer service experience, most notably that it takes a long time to get issues resolved. However, for certain buyers, that’s a reasonable price to pay for an ultra-quiet, energy-efficient washer-dryer set with cycles like Super Speed Wash (great for last-minute outfit saving) and Steam Sanitize+. Samsung offers a five-year limited warranty on most washer and dryer models, which is shorter than other top brands; then again, we have seen fewer complaints all-around about Samsung appliances themselves (as opposed to customer service) than with some other brands.

On Sale

Electrolux

1349.0033% OFF$898 at Home Depot

1249.0032% OFF$848 at Home Depot

Electrolux is a Swedish home appliance manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm that has been making appliances for more than 50 years. It is widely considered the world’s second-largest appliance maker after Whirlpool. Electrolux owns Frigidaire and is known for making innovative, durable and stylish appliances.

Electrolux currently offers five front-load washing machines and doesn’t manufacture any top-load models. Depending on the model, several stain-fighting features are available, like a pre-cycle stain-soak, a stain treatment that uses cold water to prevent setting, and a special Optic Whites cycle to keep those whites looking whiter for longer. All Electrolux models are also Energy Star certified.

Senior Shopping Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick tested the Electrolux 6 Series Electric Washer and Dryer. “The washer drum has a 4.5 cubic feet capacity, and the dryer drum has an 8 cubic feet capacity. Both units can accommodate a king-size comforter. That’s one of my favorite parts about these units! My old washer could handle my comforter, but with my old dryer, it would typically get caught up in itself, and the center would still be wet at the end of the cycle. So, I’d have to unravel it and run it through another cycle—not ideal. But I don’t have that issue with the Electrolux dryer. It’s so big and can handle bedding,” Caitlyn says.

“It does such a thorough job of spinning the clothes that they barely feel wet by the time I put them in the dryer. I hang-dry all of my daughter’s clothing, half of my husband’s and more than half of mine. With heavier pieces, like sweatshirts and sweatpants, it used to take at least 24 hours for them to be dry. But now, I’d say I can put most of the clothes away by hour 18. For my daughter’s clothes, it’s even less than that,” Caitlyn adds. “I appreciate how the washer sets me up for quick drying. And when it is time to use the dryer, I love that no matter if it’s sheets, clothes or towels, the unit completely dries everything the first time. I don’t find myself ever having to run it again.”

Caitlyn did mention that she had significant delivery issues when ordering through Wayfair, so you may be better off ordering your appliances directly from Electrolux. Additionally, she noticed that small items like children’s socks frequently get stuck near the front of the washing machine, which she’s remedied by using a mesh laundry bag. “There’s typically a little bit of water in the compartment where I put liquid laundry detergent—no matter if I actually used liquid laundry detergent that cycle or a pod,” she adds. “I empty it in the sink every time, so I wish I didn’t have to do that.”

If you’re deciding between Electrolux vs. LG, LG washers provide smart washing features, like AI technology and smartphone control, while Electrolux are great if you’re interested in specific wash cycles with a more stain-fighting focus. Certain models also have nice extras like a 10-minute Steam Refresh cycle and reversible doors, so you can make the configuration work for your laundry area. Unfortunately, Electrolux only offers a one-year warranty on washers and dryers, so it may be worth looking into an extended warranty if you feel this is the brand for you.

That said, customer reviews are generally positive. Reddit user OilofOle said, “I have the 7637 series for less than a year, and the older version for about 4 years. The older version performed great, until the dryer steam nozzle solenoid stuck open and wouldn’t stop spraying the dryer with water. Even though it was out of warranty the company was nice enough to exchange the pair to the new models which I’m happy with.”

Products on Our Radar

• SpeedQueen Classic: If you ever peruse r/BuyItForLife, surely you’ve seen the SpeedQueen brand name come up again and again. SpeedQueen is the brand of choice in most commercial laundromats, but they offer home appliances, too. We’re antsy to get a SpeedQueen in one of our tester’s homes to see if the consumer version stands up to the hype of the commercial models.
• GE Front Load Washer & Dryer: This model from GE also comes highly recommended in various subreddits, and customer reviews are mostly positive. GE is known to be a reliable brand, so we’re adding it to our testing arsenal to find out how accurate buyer reports are.

What to Look for When Buying a Reliable Washer and Dryer

Here are some factors you should consider when purchasing a washer and dryer:

Reliability and longevity

Regardless of what kind of appliance you’re buying, you want it to last—after all, there’s nothing worse than sinking tons of money into something that breaks after a few years. Firstly, we suggest seeing if the company has tested the machine’s longevity. Typically, brands like LG, Whirlpool and Samsung receive some of the highest marks for longevity.

We also asked appliance repair expert Matthew Morrison for his opinions on the most reliable washers and dryers. He says, “As far as reliability and parts availability, Whirlpool is always my first choice.” Because Whirlpool acquired Maytag, Matthew considers both brands highly reliable.

In Matthew’s experience, LG and Samsung require far more technical processes for diagnosing issues. This is likely because both brands employ the latest technological advancements in washers and dryers.

If your washer and dryer need to be repaired or require a replacement part, you want to ensure that the necessary components are easy to source or affordable to fix.

Warranty length

Next, consider the warranty. Even the most reliable washing machines and dryers have issues from time to time, and repairs can be costly and time-consuming. Many brands only offer 12 months, but some, like Maytag, offer 10-year coverage on the most important parts—motors and drums.

Samsung, meanwhile, provides a 2-year warranty on digital appliances (including parts and labor) and even allows shoppers to save on Samsung Care+, the brand’s product protection plan that has a 24/7 expert line for troubleshooting, guaranteed repairs or replacements, reimburses customers for food loss in case of a black-out and power surge coverage, among other benefits.

For many shoppers, warranties and extra protection may land at the bottom of the priority list because of the additional cost. However, it’s a great way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your washer and dryer, especially if something goes wrong.

Special features

You may also want to look at special features that fit your needs and lifestyle. For instance, a companion app isn’t necessary, but it’s nice to monitor your laundry while you’re in a different room. Some apps may also alert you to issues with your machines before they’re even noticeable.

Other special features we saw included quiet operation, large capacity loads, moisture sensing and fast speed cycles.

Energy-efficiency

Another top trend we’ve seen this year? Energy-efficient modes and certification from ENERGY STAR, which means it meets guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For many models, this not only means it’s more eco-friendly, but it’s better for your wallet with lower yearly energy cost estimates—a win-win for everyone.

How We Found the Most Reliable Washer and Dryer Brands

To find the most reliable washer and dryer brands, we put hours of research into customer reviews, machine specs and common issues with certain machines. We also combed through the brands offered at most major retailers. We ensured they offered multiple washers and dryers to fit different budgets and lifestyles, eliminating any with more negative reviews than positive. For the expert’s take, we turned to washer repair companies Shaper Service Solutions and Advanced Appliance Service Inc., as well as Puls Technicians, a nationwide service of appliance technicians, to see what they had to say about certain brands.

In addition to reaching out to a handful of washer repair companies and technicians, we also talked to appliance expert Matthew Morrison, who was involved with apartment property management as a maintenance supervisor, worked as an appliance technician with Sears and GE factory service for almost 20 years, and served as a ground equipment mechanic in the Air Force.

We also worked with Anthony O’Riley, a former New York City doorman who often did shopping research for high-profile tenants and has written about large home appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers.

Conclusion

As the old saying goes, there are different strokes for different folks, and the same goes for the best reliable washers and dryers. Maytag is a good fit for large families due to their larger load sizes, but it’s not a brand we’d recommend to a single person who might be better off with LG’s tech-inspired machines. Additionally, Samsung is a great choice for cleaning up after pets and large load capacity, while Electrolux is great for stains and ultimate cleanliness. Whirlpool, however, might be the most user-friendly.

That said, these five brands have some of the all-time best customer reviews and produce efficient machines that fit multiple lifestyles.

FAQ

What washers do repairmen recommend?

Whirlpool and LG were the two washing machine brands recommended by Puls who said they had the fewest problems and were the cheapest to repair, on average. Maytag came in at third.

Is Maytag or Whirlpool better quality?

Both brands make high-quality machines, but repairmen from Puls found that Whirlpool had fewer problems and was cheaper to repair than Maytag. Maytag, however, ranked third among most major appliance brands for reliable washer and dryers.

Which washer/dryer has the best warranty?

Maytag is known for its impressive 10-year warranty. Maytag brand offers a 10-year limited parts warranty for major appliances built after 2017.

Why You Should Trust Us

If the research process described above wasn’t enough (and we didn’t think it was), we had our expert shopping editors and product testers review machines from each of the most reliable brands of washers and dryers to report on everything from delivery and setup to usage and issues. That’s right; our staff got rid of their old washers and dryers to test new units from each of the most reliable brands.

After many months of testing, our editors found that the good heavily outweighed the bad with LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung and Electrolux machines. We’ll check in with them over time to ensure that remains the case so you can shop confidently, knowing your investment in a new washer and dryer is a good one.